Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, public policy analyst and educationist, has respectfully appealed to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure that the Federal Government’s direct allocation reforms result in visible and measurable development at the grassroots level.
In a statement today, Prof. Adesanya-Davies commended the administration’s commitment to strengthening local government financial autonomy. She, however, stressed that financial autonomy must be accompanied by transparency, accountability, and verifiable outcomes in order to restore public confidence.
“Nigerians are currently navigating significant economic challenges, including rising costs of food, transportation, healthcare and education,” Prof. Adesanya-Davies said. “In such times, citizens are entitled to clarity regarding how public resources entrusted to government are being utilized for their benefit.”
A CALL FOR TRANSPARENT STEWARDSHIP
While acknowledging the importance of direct funding to local governments, Prof. Adesanya-Davies urged that the process be guided by openness.
“Mr. President, Nigerians are asking for accountable governance,” she stated. “Where allocations are sent directly to local governments, let there be regular, accessible disclosure of amounts received, expenditure details, and the development projects delivered to communities.”
She noted that governance must now move beyond the announcement of budget figures to demonstrating real impact in towns and villages across the country.
MEASURING REFORM THROUGH SERVICE DELIVERY
Prof. Adesanya-Davies called on local government authorities to demonstrate stewardship through concrete service delivery. She highlighted critical areas for public attention:
– Functional and accessible primary healthcare centers
– Motorable rural roads and safe transportation corridors
– Access to clean and potable water
– Well-equipped schools conducive to learning
– Effective sanitation and waste management systems
– Youth employment and community empowerment programs
“Direct allocation must translate to direct development,” she affirmed. “The people should see and feel the difference in their communities.”
RECOMMENDATIONS TO STRENGTHEN ACCOUNTABILITY
To safeguard public resources and ensure value for money, Prof. Adesanya-Davies proposed the following:
1. Quarterly Reporting: Publication of local government financial statements, approved projects, contractors, timelines, and completion reports.
2. Independent Verification: Physical inspection of major projects to confirm quality, location, and delivery in line with budgetary provisions.
3. Citizen Engagement: Regular community accountability sessions where elected and appointed officials present budgets and report on implementation to the people.
“A project is not completed merely because funds have been disbursed,” she said. “It is completed when the people benefit from it and when the quality matches the resources invested.”
EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY FOR OPEN GOVERNANCE
Prof. Adesanya-Davies also called for the establishment of a national digital transparency platform. The platform, she suggested, should provide citizens with real-time access to information on allocations, project approvals, costs, contractors, and implementation status.
“This is 2026. We have the technology to make public expenditure visible. Nigerians deserve a government that is open by design,” she said.
Prof. Adesanya-Davies urged that the success of the administration’s economic reforms be measured by their impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“Public funds are a public trust,” she concluded. “If resources are reaching the grassroots, then development must also reach the grassroots. Let the Nigerian people see and experience the dividends of democracy.”
ABOUT PROF. FUNMILAYO Adesanya-Davies
Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies is a Professor of Applied Linguistics & Communication public policy analyst, educationist, and advocate for good governance, transparency, and citizen participation in Nigeria.
Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Department of English Language and Communication Arts
Faculty of Humanities
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
Port Harcourt
Rivers State Nigeria
